Thailand

Joni G. ~ 6th Period

Thailand

Joni G. ~ 6th Period

"Thailand ~ Love it or Leave it" "ประเทศไทย ~ รักหรือปล่อยให้มัน"

ยินดีต้อนรับสู่ประเทศไทย!

Welcome to Thailand! Thailand draws more visitors than any other country in Southeast Asia, with its irresistible combination of breathtaking natural beauty, inspiring temples, renowned hospitality, mouthwatering cuisine, and ruins of fabulous ancient kingdoms. Thailand still connects with its own unique culture and history, and is the only Southeast Asian country that has never been conquered by European power. From the stupa-studded mountains of Mae Hong Son and the verdant limestone islands of the Andaman Sea, to the pulse-pounding dance clubs of Bangkok and the tranquil villages moored along the Mekong River. Thailand offers something for every type of traveler.

Culture

Thailand has such amazing culture that they still connect with. Their culture has such a huge effect with food, dance, religion, and even how they live.

Resorts

Thailand is home to beautiful beaches and resorts. Here you can do snorkeling, scuba diving, boat sailing, and even stay at one their finest resorts next to all of this!

Temples

Thailand, is a major Buddhist country, so it wouldn't be surprising to find dozens of temples in the magnificent country. These eye catching buildings is home to monks and prayer.

Culture

Thailand has such amazing culture that they still connect with. Their culture has such a huge effect with food, dance, religion, and even how they live.

Resorts

Thailand is home to beautiful beaches and resorts. Here you can do snorkeling, scuba diving, boat sailing, and even stay at one their finest resorts next to all of this!

Temples

Thailand, is a major Buddhist country, so it wouldn't be surprising to find dozens of temples in the magnificent country. These eye catching buildings is home to monks and prayer.

The Geography and Climate of Thailand

The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions : the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South. Bangkok is the capital city and center of political, commercial, industrial and cultural activities. Tall palms hang over feathery sand and coral gardens flourish in the shallow seas. Thailand varied beaches is because of the water surrounding the Malay Peninsula. Thailand is largely tropical, so it's hot and humid all year around with temperatures in the 28-35°C range (82-95°F), a degree of relief provided only in the mountains in the far north of Thailand.From November to the end of February, it doesn't rain much and temperatures are at their lowest. From March to June, Thailand swelters in temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F).From July to October, although it only really gets underway in September, tropical monsoons hit most of the country.

Beaches

At dawn, these glamorous beaches will give you a breathtaking view of the natural beauty and simplicity of Thailand. Spend the night at one of these amazing resorts, in one of Thailand's finest bungalows.

Location

Thailand's lucky location, makes it possible to use both the West and East sides of the ocean. It's location is also the reason for such hot and rainy temperatures and climates the wonderful country has.

Farming

Thailand is home to huge farming plantations. Thanks to Monsoon rains, Thailand makes huge investments in rice, since there are so many rice farms. One of the largest rice plantations in Thailand is called "The Dragon Back", where the rice farm looks like the scales of a dragon.

Beaches

At dawn, these glamorous beaches will give you a breathtaking view of the natural beauty and simplicity of Thailand. Spend the night at one of these amazing resorts, in one of Thailand's finest bungalows.

Location

Thailand's lucky location, makes it possible to use both the West and East sides of the ocean. It's location is also the reason for such hot and rainy temperatures and climates the wonderful country has.

Farming

Thailand is home to huge farming plantations. Thanks to Monsoon rains, Thailand makes huge investments in rice, since there are so many rice farms. One of the largest rice plantations in Thailand is called "The Dragon Back", where the rice farm looks like the scales of a dragon.

The People and Culture of Thailand

80% of the population of Thailand consists of ethnic Thais. Roughly 10% of the population is Chinese, with Malays adding an additional 4% to the blend. Lao, Mon, Khmers, Indians, and Burmese make up a very small percentage of Thailand, making up 69,518,555 of the people who live in Thailand.

Thai's have a very respectful way of greeting people. They greet each other with a prayer-like gesture called a Wai. Generally, a younger person Wai's an older person, who will then return it. Shouting and wild movement are to be avoided as they are considered impolite. The modern Thai alphabet consists of forty-four consonants, twenty-four vowels, and four diacritical tone markers. The language is written from left to right.

Neat and respectful dresses should be worn in all religious shrines. It is not considered polite to visit religious monuments in shorts, miniskirts or hot pants. Trousers and jeans are looked at as unsuitable attire for women visiting a temple. Show respect for religious symbols and rituals, and avoid touching spirit houses and household alters. Thai people, particularly those in rural areas, can be highly superstitious and may feel the need for lengthy ritual should you ‘contaminate’ their sacred areas. Meditation is a very important ritual to do, to help let out all of your stress and anger, so you can focus on Buddha. Many practices and rituals were inspired or influenced by the existing religious cultures of India, China, Japan, Tibet, and many other parts of Southeast Asia.

Thailand is known for its cuisine, which combines Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian influences. Food is cheap, plentiful, and delicious. In every town and city, food stalls line the streets and can make stir-fried noodle dishes, soups, and rice dishes. From personally eating these exotic foods, Thailand serves a wide variety of unusual foods including: Giant water bugs, locusts, and my personal favorite, maggots!!!

Thai culture is changing with time because of the contact with Western civilization. Although most Thai's stick to their own culture, some are influenced by what they see on television and from tourists visiting the wonderful country.

Thai Buddhist Monks

Thai Buddhist Monks are very strict in what they do. They must wear a long orange or brown dress-like-cloak, that covers their shoulders down to their ankles. They must have a shaved head, and must focus on only Buddha and prayer.

Traditional Wai Greeting

Wai is a tradition that all infants and adults must know. A young child must learn Wai to respect elders when they meet them. It is mandatory that the youngest must Wai to the elder as a sign of respect.

The Exotic Cuisine

Thailand is filled with the most exotic cuisine. Where they eat foods from scorpions, to cockroaches. Thais have a tendency to take something disgusting or exotic, and turn it into a tasty delicacy in minutes of time.

Thai Buddhist Monks

Thai Buddhist Monks are very strict in what they do. They must wear a long orange or brown dress-like-cloak, that covers their shoulders down to their ankles. They must have a shaved head, and must focus on only Buddha and prayer.

Traditional Wai Greeting

Wai is a tradition that all infants and adults must know. A young child must learn Wai to respect elders when they meet them. It is mandatory that the youngest must Wai to the elder as a sign of respect.

The Exotic Cuisine

Thailand is filled with the most exotic cuisine. Where they eat foods from scorpions, to cockroaches. Thais have a tendency to take something disgusting or exotic, and turn it into a tasty delicacy in minutes of time.

Meditating

Not only monks meditate to focus on Buddha, many other people meditate to let out all of their stress and anger. But, most Thai Monks want to try to find a peaceful place, or a temple to meditate. Meditating helps monks focus on Buddha and relax.

Ethnic Groups

There are dozens of ethnic groups in Thailand, and they all mix together to make the total population of 69,518,555. Each group trades or teaches the other group something from their culture, bringing everyone closer together.

Thai Dancing

Thailand's dancing, consists of elaborate costumes, tiny detail in movements, and a big smile. These traditional Thai dancers, have a big part in culture, telling stories, and the art of dance.

Meditating

Not only monks meditate to focus on Buddha, many other people meditate to let out all of their stress and anger. But, most Thai Monks want to try to find a peaceful place, or a temple to meditate. Meditating helps monks focus on Buddha and relax.

Ethnic Groups

There are dozens of ethnic groups in Thailand, and they all mix together to make the total population of 69,518,555. Each group trades or teaches the other group something from their culture, bringing everyone closer together.

Thai Dancing

Thailand's dancing, consists of elaborate costumes, tiny detail in movements, and a big smile. These traditional Thai dancers, have a big part in culture, telling stories, and the art of dance.

Government and Citizenship of Thailand

Thailand’s government was not always a constitutional monarchy. Thailand was originally a government that was run completely by the power and rule of Kings. In 1932, the country of Thailand moved to change their government to a constitutional government. Since that decision the Thai government has had over 17 different constitutions. There has also been a lot of unrest when it comes to the government in Thailand. Various sides and political parties all have a vested interested in the type of government that Thailand has. For this reason, there have been several dozen coups and various constitutions drawn up. The issue of corrupt government officials, laws and rulings do come up while writing constitutions. The latest and most current constitution was drawn up in 2007 and addressed some of these issues that are common in the government of Thailand.

Thailands's Government House

Thailand is a wonderful, exciting country that is ruled by a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a government that has a king or queen but is ruled primarily by other branches of government.

Thailand's Flag

Five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy.
Similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed.

Thailand's Currency

The Thai currency is called the “Baht”. One British pounds is worth a little more than 50 bahts. Bahts are like pounds, whereas satang are like pence; one baht is worth one hundred satang.

Thailands's Government House

Thailand is a wonderful, exciting country that is ruled by a constitutional monarchy. A constitutional monarchy is a government that has a king or queen but is ruled primarily by other branches of government.

Thailand's Flag

Five horizontal bands of red (top), white, blue (double width), white, and red; the red color symbolizes the nation and the blood of life; white represents religion and the purity of Buddhism; blue stands for the monarchy.
Similar to the flag of Costa Rica but with the blue and red colors reversed.

Thailand's Currency

The Thai currency is called the “Baht”. One British pounds is worth a little more than 50 bahts. Bahts are like pounds, whereas satang are like pence; one baht is worth one hundred satang.

Economy of Thailand

Thailand has a well developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, and welcomes foreign investment. Thailand has fully recovered from the 1997-98 Asian Financial Crisis and was one of East Asia's best performers in 2002-04. Increased consumption and investment spending and strong export growth pushed GDP growth up to 6.9% in 2003 and 6.1% in 2004 despite a sluggish global economy. The highly popular government's expansionist policy, including major support of village economic development, has raised concerns about fiscal discipline and the health of financial institutions. Bangkok has pursued preferential trade agreements with a variety of partners in an effort to boost exports and maintain high growth, and in 2004 began negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with the US. In late December 2004, a major tsunami took 8,500 lives in Thailand and caused massive destruction of property in the southern provinces of Krabi, Phangnga, and Phuket.

Thailand's Rice Farms

Rice farming is a major job, and export that Thailand ships to countries and continents all over the world. The majority of Thailand depends on the rice stock harvested every year to save themselves from starvation.

Thailand's Exporting

Thailand exports capital goods, intermediate goods, raw materials, consumer goods, and fuels to countries and other continents all over the world. Thailand exports a lot of rice, and other harvested crops.

Thailand's Cloth Manufacturing

Thailand is wealthy is cloth material. It includes cotton, wool, and silk. Since various silk worms are found in Thailand, the production of silk, doesn't stop. All of this cloth manufactured, is exported to different countries all over the world.

Thailand's Rice Farms

Rice farming is a major job, and export that Thailand ships to countries and continents all over the world. The majority of Thailand depends on the rice stock harvested every year to save themselves from starvation.

Thailand's Exporting

Thailand exports capital goods, intermediate goods, raw materials, consumer goods, and fuels to countries and other continents all over the world. Thailand exports a lot of rice, and other harvested crops.

Thailand's Cloth Manufacturing

Thailand is wealthy is cloth material. It includes cotton, wool, and silk. Since various silk worms are found in Thailand, the production of silk, doesn't stop. All of this cloth manufactured, is exported to different countries all over the world.